Page 51 of Scandal with a Sinful Scot

“Thank you, Dr. Phillips. Will you finish closing the wound?” Faraday stepped aside, and Abbie’s admiration for the young man increased. Regardless of Phillips’s rude tone and prejudicial comment, Faraday had kept his composure and included the older country doctor in the procedure.

“Despite our care, infection will be the next hurdle to overcome.” Faraday turned to face her. “May I say that I admire your instincts, Mrs. Hughes? By keeping constant pressure on the wound, I can honestly state that you saved Garrett Wollstonecraft’s life. Well done.”

Faraday joined Phillips, and together they addressed the exit wound, then bound Garrett’s shoulder with the torn, clean cloths.

She had saved Garrett’s life. Abbie exhaled shakily as she sat in the nearby wingchair.

Phillips passed her a cup of tea. “Well done, indeed, Mrs. Hughes.”

She gave Phillips a polite nod and sipped. Closing her eyes, she sighed as the warmth from the tea spread through her, giving comfort and calm as only a cuppa could.

While reveling in the quiet peace, a clamor rose outside. Loud voices grew closer, then the earl and viscount burst into the room with Martin and one of the footmen hard upon on their heels. Abbie stood, as did Phillips.

“My son. Bastian, tell us everything,” the earl said to Faraday, his voice shaking with worry.

The young doctor gave a compelling narrative, including Abbie and Phillips in the telling. “I gave your son a strong dose of laudanum, and along with the brandy, he will sleep for hours. We can only hope that infection and fever do not take hold. He should stay here for the night and may be moved to his room tomorrow.” He laid a hand on the earl’s shoulder. “Though your son lost a goodly amount of blood, my lord, I do not feel a transfusion is warranted. We have Mrs. Hughes to thank for ensuring the situation did not become dire, even fatal.”

Abbie blushed under the praise, and the earl and viscount came to stand before her. “How can I thank you, Abbie? May I call you Abbie?” the earl said, a shaky smile curving about his mouth.

“Of course, my lord.”

He clasped her upper arms gently. “No more of that. You are family. I am Oliver.”

Julian nodded as he clutched her arm, pulling her from his father and into a crushing embrace. Goodness. She was not used to such emotion from Garrett’s older brother, but this proved she did not know these men at all. Abbie found that she wanted to. Family. How utterly astonishing. “And I am Julian. Thank you, Abbie.”

Momentarily dumbfounded, she returned the embrace and basked in its welcoming warmth. They broke apart and laughed, more from the relief that Garrett would no doubt survive.

“Martin, see there is a light supper laid out for our guests in about an hour. Bastian, you will be staying the night?” Oliver asked.

“Of course,” Dr. Faraday replied. “I assumed as much and brought my valise. I left word at the hospital that I would be staying until Garrett is on the mend.”

“Brilliant.” Oliver turned toward Martin and said, “Riordan and his wife, Sabrina, are following directly behind us. He had to make arrangements for his students. See that rooms are prepared for everyone.”

Martin bowed. “At once, my lord.”

“Dr. Phillips, will you stay for a meal?” the earl asked.

“Well, I…” The older man was obviously flustered at being asked to dine at the earl’s table. “I would be honored, my lord.”

“Martin, please show the doctors to the library and offer them a drink. We will join you directly.”

With the doctors’ departure, Oliver turned his attention to her. “Can you tell us what happened?”

“I will, but first I must go to Megan. She must be wondering what is going on. It was she who rode for help.”

Oliver smiled, his eyes twinkling. “Ah, my stout-hearted lass.”

“Sit with Garrett and I will return shortly.” Abbie turned to leave, then halted. “I will take a light meal in here. I will not be leaving his side.”

“As I surmised,” Oliver said. “I will make the arrangements.”

Abbie lifted her skirts and hurried upstairs. Glancing at the front of her riding habit, she shuddered at the sight of the blood. The outfit was no doubt ruined, but she didn’t care. Garrett was alive. It was all that mattered.

Megan stood as soon as Abbie entered the room. “Is he…”

“Alive, yes. The earl’s physician arrived from London and stitched the artery closed. Garrett is resting.”

Megan exhaled and sat on the edge of the bed. Abbie joined her and slipped her arm about her daughter’s shoulders. It was then the floodgates opened. Abbie cried, sobbing piteously, allowing all her pent-up emotions free.